Teddy Bridgewater's slide lands him in perfect spot in Minnesota

Teddy Bridgewater told NFL Network’s Deion Sanders in a pre-draft interview that he wouldn’t do anything differently looking back at his now infamous pro day. The newest member of the Minnesota Vkings said he believes things happen for a reason.

After waiting all night to hear his name called, it looks like Bridgewater’s attitude may have been justified.

Sure, Bridgewater will not make as much money as players who went higher in the draft, but the former Louisville Cardinal finds himself in a great situation.

In an offense with Adrian Peterson in the backfield and Cordarrelle Patterson making plays all over the field, Bridgewater won’t be relied on to carry the team. His job will be to manage the game and make throws when he has to.

Zimmer: "Teddy will play when we feel like he's ready — if he's the best guy, which we hope that he will."

Bridgewater has the mental acuity to play in an NFL offense from Day 1. He showed some high-level quarterback play during his junior year at Louisville, including this touchdown throw against Miami in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

Bridgewater wants DeVante Parker (9) in the slot running a go-route down the seam, but Miami has saftey manning the deep middle. Bridgewater manipulates the safety with his eyes before working back to Parker and hitting him for a touchdown.

There are QBs in the NFL who aren’t capable of making such a play — including Cassell who tends to stare down his intended targets.

With the threat of Peterson running the ball, Bridgewater will face a lot of eight- and nine-man boxes, which should make things easier when the rookie drops back to pass.

Expect Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner to work in a lot of play-action passes to further take advantage of Peterson’s presence.

Turner’s offense requires a smart QB capable of reading the field from the pocket, and no QB in this class showed that ability more than Bridgewater.

Norv Turner was the driving force behind Bridgewater with the #Vikings. He pounded the table for him and Spielman listened to his OC

Bridgewater didn’t force things at Louisville, routinely working through his progressions and hit his check downs when the defense dictated it. In that way, he’s similar to Russell Wilson, who has played the game manager role to perfection over his first two seasons in Seattle.

If new head coach Mike Zimmer can improve a Vikings defense that finished 31st in the league, Bridgewater will need to be just good enough for Minnesota to win.